Arsenal news roundup – 27/01/15 : Arsenal get Middlesbrough, Paulista completes medical

We are less than a week away from the transfer deadline and there hasn’t been any news of further recruitment’s or an official announcement of Gabriel Paulista just yet. However we had an interesting FA Cup draw yesterday and the Gunners were handed a favourable draw.

Here is the news round up.

FA Cup Draw: Arsenal handed Middlesbrough tie in fifth round

Arsenal have been drawn against Middlesbrough in the fifth round of the FA Cup. The Gunners have already passed Hull City and Brighton to reach the last 16 and will be hoping to extend their run in the competition when they host Aitor Karanka’s high-flying Championship outfit, who ousted Manchester City in the last round. It is favourable draw and although some might argue that Boro are not easy to beat, the bottom line is Arsenal are at home to lower-league opposition and have avoided the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United (if they both beat their respective sides).

Gabriel Paulista having medical ahead of £13.4m transfer from Villarreal

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Although Villarreal have confirmed that Paulista will join Arsenal few days back, the Gunners have not yet confirmed the signing, but reports stated that he had his medical yesterday. Some sections of the media also suggest the defender was granted a work permit under the “Exceptional Talent” rule, which is great news for Wenger. The deal was expected to be announced yesterday but should be in the pipeline today.

Wenger ‘loves’ Rosicky and heaps praise on the midfielder

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hailed Tomas Rosicky for his wonderful display against Brighton in the FA Cup. He was nothing short of sensational against Brighton & Hove Albion, playing with the kind of vision and verve that saw him named ‘Little Mozart’. Injuries have of course robbed him but he is making up for lost time and showing just why it’s a pleasure watching him play.

Borussia Dortmund offer Arsenal forward pre-contract deal

Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom is stalling on signing a new contract and reports now state he is considering signing a pre-contract deal with Dortmund. He is one of the most talented youngsters from the Arsenal Academy and a vital part of the club’s future, but a lack of chances in the senior squad might lead to him continuing his career elsewhere. Wenger and Arsenal clearly want the youngster to stay at the Emirates and given his potential the idea of him leaving the club on a free transfer is a particularly painful one. It remains to be seen whether Wenger can convince the youngster to stay beyond the summer.

Were you pleased with the FA Cup draw? The fact that we are playing on home soil is brilliant news considering our successful run to Wembley last season was built on a solid platform from wins at Emirates.